Western Times - Issue 14

Western Times - Issue 14

The history periodical from Transport Treasury for students of the GWR and BR(W)

Apart from Brunel’s spectacular creations, bridges (both over and under) have tended to receive scant attention so the brief survey of structures on the Reading-Basingstoke route in this issue reveals a remarkable variety of styles, sufficient to whet the appetite for more about these important elements of the railway’s fabric. In a change from the normal fare, the most modern boundaries of WT’s formal mandate are explored by an account of the early incursions by British Railways Class 50 diesel-electrics into the West Country.

A new, occasional venture is inaugurated in ‘getting to know’ prominent personalities in the present-day GWR arena through interview. The first subject in this series is Bob Meanley of Tyseley fame, and author of Wiltshire Wisdom. In a complementary spirit, 4-6-0s are the subject of other articles – original colour images of locomotives in GWR livery and a survey of Hawksworth’s finest design.

The regular bulletin from the Great Western Trust explores more of the obscure and fascinating corners of the GWR’s diverse activities, directly linked to a topical aspect of today’s railway. The history and activities of the Midland & South Western Junction route have received extensive coverage thus far and in this issue, the saga draws to a close with analysis of factors relevant to its run-down and closure. Part 6 of the Pannier Story includes reference to government-assisted mechanical engineering investment. ‘Modernising the Western’ reviews post-war civil engineering investment by the GWR on its own account in much needed renewal of Neath (N&B) locomotive depot.

Contents include

The Pannier Story: Part 6 – The Collett Era
From the Archives of R C Riley: Hawksworth’s Finest
Hoovers to the Western by Roger Geach
Book Review
Modernising the Western: New Engine Shed at Neath (N&B)
Wiltshire Wisdom: ‘Western Times Interviews’ – Bob Meanley
The Demise of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway by Kevin Robertson
Great Western Railway Bridges
Great Western Liveried 4-6-0s In Colour
The Great Western Trust (GWT) – Bulletin No.13
The Guard’s Compartment